destination management – Las Vegas and Macao
With reference to the theories and practice of competitive destination management strategy developed throughout the module, compare and contrast the ways in which specific successful destinations(Las Vagas and Macao) have created a position of competitive advantage.
Butler’s original TALC theory (1980) should be used.
The aim of the assignments is to analyze and evaluate aspects of the strategic management process in relation to specific tourism destinations.
Objectives

1. Understand and apply a framework for the analysis of tourism destinations
2. Understand, synthesise and apply appropriate academic theory and best practice to destination management issues
3. Analyze the impacts of tourism on the various stakeholders within a destination and the challenges facing destination managers
4. Critically evaluate the strategic and operational interventions adopted by destination managers to minimize the negative impacts and maximize benefits of tourism on the host destination
5. Critically evaluate the role of marketing in destination development and the elements of a promotional campaign
6. Identify, select and critically evaluate appropriate information for inclusion in a written research report
Structure and clarity of expression

The fundamental features of well-structured work are expected as the norm at this level, including due attention to the type and style of the assignment (report) and the work should remain clearly focused, even though more complex issues are addressed.
Content and understanding

Depth and breadth of knowledge and key theoretical concepts should be demonstrated as well as an awareness of contemporary developmental issues. An appreciation of similarities/differences of opinion and thought from theorists and / or practitioners should be demonstrated by the ability to compare/contrast viewpoints. It will be evident from the assignment that students understand the functioning of tourism destination management concepts

Analysis/Evaluation
Students should demonstrate an ability to appraise and evaluate the issues facing the industry as well as the ability to evaluate the practical concerns of the management of destinations. The skills of a more questioning approach when discussing issues, are expected at this level in keeping with the decision making process required for the effective management of this sector of the tourism business.
Reading/Research and Referencing
Reading should extend beyond essential texts/general travel and tourism texts and encompass specialist attraction management texts as well as journal articles, periodicals, professional/industry publications, the Internet. Students should also demonstrate a more selective approach to their reading in order to improve the quality of their work through varied, appropriate sources. The proper presentation of quotations and references within the text and the final references section is expected and inaccuracies will be penalized, as will the over-reliance on a single source or limited sources of information.
Application to industry
Students should demonstrate an increasing ability to integrate theory into practice, and should be able to show an appreciation of the challenges and constraints facing managers in a variety of aspects of the destination management sector.
• a greater emphasis on the analysis and evaluation of theory and its application/usefulness for understanding work-based scenarios and problems
• the ability to demonstrate originality, creativity and critical analysis
• the ability to demonstrate greater knowledge and understanding through wide reading and research
• excellence in all aspects of presentation and production of the assignment with particular attention to the demands of academic / report writing